Homemade Vegetable Broth for Dogs (and People)

Can dogs have vegetable broth? The answer is yes, and here’s a recipe that both you and your best friend can enjoy.

I’ll be honest, I’m not a big broth drinker but I do add it to my dog’s food sometimes. Feeding your dogs homemade food can be a controversial topic. I have a German shepherd with the most delicate of stomachs. Normally, I feed him a canned, premium, sensitive-stomach type of food, but lately, I noticed he seemed to be losing weight on it.

In the past, my vet suggested a bland diet of rice and boiled chicken when he had digestive issues. That put me on the whole topic of making your own dog food, which I do occasionally. But… Can dogs have vegetable broth? The answer is yes, but this is not an article on how to make your dog’s food. However, it does bring me to the topic of homemade vegetable broth.

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When I do make food for Max, it’s usually organic rice, ground organic turkey or chicken, shredded carrots, and broth—vegetable, bone, or chicken, and topped with a drizzle of organic olive oil. Besides adding needed fats to the meal, it is supposed to support a shinier coat, better digestion, and allergy relief for dogs. I also alternate between a liquid probiotic and digestive enzyme which has been a game change for Max’s digestion (i.e. drastically reduced incidents of diarrhea).

Anyway…

My family eats organic, so of course, I’m feeding my best bud the same way. It occurred to me that I could make my own vegetable broth instead of buying it. Most store-bought veggie broths have onion and garlic, which are a no-go for dogs.

More people are turning to homemade broths these days, and it’s easy to see why. Making broth at home gives you full control over every ingredient, which is especially important for pets with sensitive stomachs. Store-bought broths, sometimes even those labeled organic can include preservatives like potassium sorbate and citric acid, as well as additives for color or flavor.

Some may also have hidden sugars or excessive sodium. While choosing an organic store brand is usually better than a conventional one, making your own broth means you skip all the extras and know exactly what’s going into your food and your dog’s. It’s also a budget-friendly way to use up leftover vegetables and reduce food waste. And who doesn’t always have vegetables in the fridge that need to be used up?

So, I researched how to make my own broth to add to the rice, veggies, and ground meat I make for Max. It’s surprisingly easy. I always have fresh carrots, celery, broccoli, and frozen green peas in the house, so that’s what I’m using. After visiting some of my favorite recipe websites, I thought I’d share what I found. It’s easy pea-sy—a little garden variety humor.

How to Make Simple Vegetable Broth (Dog-Safe)

Gather your ingredients
- 3–4 carrots, chopped
- 2 celery stalks, chopped
- 1 cup broccoli florets
- 1 cup frozen green peas
- 8 cups water
Wash all vegetables thoroughly
Add all vegetables to a large pot
Pour in the water
Bring to a boil, then lower heat and simmer for 45–60 minutes
Strain the broth, discarding the solids
Let cool before using or storing

Important Note

If you are making this broth for your dog, do not add any salt, spices, or seasonings.
Onions and garlic should always be avoided in any dog food or broth.

Tips for Seasoning (For Humans)

After you’ve set aside the portion for your dog, you can season the rest for human meals
- Add salt and pepper to taste
- Toss in a bay leaf during simmering for extra flavor
- Try a splash of soy sauce or a sprinkle of dried herbs like thyme or parsley
- A squeeze of lemon juice at the end brightens the flavor

How to Use Vegetable Broth in Human Meals

Use as a base for homemade soups or stews
Cook grains like rice, quinoa, or farro in the broth for extra flavor
Use in place of water when making risotto
Add to sauces or gravies for more depth
Sip as a warm, light drink on cold days

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Making your own broth is simple, cost-effective, and gives you full control over what goes into your dog’s bowl and your own meals. It’s a small step that feels good for both you and your best bud.